Inspirations Love middle ground Mindfulness Self Discovery

* Stop Trying to Let it go

by Val Boyko
Comments 44

In a conversation with my friend Rikki the other day we talked about lessons from dogs. I hope you are listening Paul and Pharaoh over at Learning from Dogs

“Letting go” came up  and Rikki noticed how there is a difference between a dog giving over a toy or ball, compared with a dog who is told to “let it go”.

let it go

What comes to mind when you think about what you would like to let go of? Its likely to be about letting go of trying to control things that are not within your control right?!?

… Like changing the personality of a colleague or partner… or letting go of trying to do everything perfectly … or letting go of taking on so much… or letting go of resentment because things didn’t go your way.

Take a note of whatever comes to mind right now.

Now notice your mindset or attitude. Do you sense resistance to letting this go? Perhaps there are judging thoughts about how its not possible, stupid…. This is your ego thinking rebelling to the idea of not being in control. This thinking comes from fear.

Remember your thinking is not the truth.

Now imagine the dog who comes over and gives you their precious toy. In giving it over, the inner mindset shifts from one of resistance to one of openness and giving. This comes from love.

The next time you want to let it go, come from your heart and give it over.

And say thank you ❤️

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About Val Boyko

Val Boyko is originally from Scotland and came to the United States over 25 years ago. At "Find Your Middle Ground" Val brings together her experience as a life coach, yoga teacher and mentor, to inspire awakening to the light and inspiration within us all. This blog is a place of exploration and discovery as we all explore finding harmony and peace, in the highs and lows of life 💛

www.findyourmiddleground.com

44 comments on “* Stop Trying to Let it go”

  1. Hariod Brawn
    May 18, 2015

    Nice try Val, but ain’t no one gettin’ my tennis ball! 😉 Seriously though, this is a very beautiful way of thinking of relinquishment, and associating the whole with the loving, open way in which our pet dogs invite us to play is a delightful way of embedding the matter in memory.

    Hariod Federuff, or is it Boris Barker? ❤

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  2. Robert Jepson
    May 18, 2015

    Fear of letting go emanates from the ego as it tries to control the external world, and generally fails, causing unhappiness. We can only change ourselves, then perhaps the world, or part of it, may follow. And if it doesn’t, so what? Any concern there is down to …. the ego proclaiming ‘my way is right!’

    We cannot force love upon the world, but if we demonstrate and live joy and love, it is infectious! Our dear animal friends show us the way 🙂

    When we truly understand this reality and begin to overcome the ego, we start to relinquish the futile act of trying to change others or the world. Then life’s problems melt away.

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  3. Amy
    May 18, 2015

    This is such a great analogy and so true.

    Liked by 1 person

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  4. nrhatch
    May 18, 2015

    Resist hanging on
    Attachments become anchors
    Let billow your sails

    Embrace all with joy
    Relinquish with joy also
    Learn to flow through life

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  5. dianasschwenk
    May 18, 2015

    Dogs love you no matter what – what a great example! ❤
    Diana xo

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  6. suzicate
    May 18, 2015

    My dog pushes toys at us but won’t let go….guess I better not act like that though I admit I give things over I take back at later dates. I need to learn not to revisit these things unless it truly is in my best interest such as reiterating a lesson I should have learned.

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  7. Paul Handover
    May 18, 2015

    Val, thank you so much for the mention. Picking up on the comment left by Diana, and implied by others, dogs are an incredible example of unconditional love. Not in every single animal but in a proportion so way ahead of us dear humans!

    Liked by 1 person

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  8. Healing Grief
    May 18, 2015

    Yes I can see how I have held on throughout the years. When I learned to let go, it wasn’t as difficult as I first thought! Great analogy. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

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  9. David Kanigan
    May 18, 2015

    Or just let it flow, let it flow.

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  10. Eliza Waters
    May 19, 2015

    Love this, Val. It’s a good way of looking at it. (We have so much to learn from dogs!)

    Liked by 1 person

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  11. Kate @ Did That Just Happen?
    May 20, 2015

    Wow, great lesson. I need the reminder sometimes that it’s my ego and I can release and be happy! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

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  12. Tiny
    May 20, 2015

    A great reminder, Val! I’m sure I’ll “see” the tennis ball next time I’m holding onto something I shouldn’t 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

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  13. anitaozolins
    May 24, 2015

    Letting go is massive for me. I am trying to let go of my Mums possessions, her handbag is one thing I can’t let go of. It sounds weird right? But its true. It was so personal for her. I can dedicate a whole post to it! I will be! 🙂 Love your blog, it all looks great. xx

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  14. Runaway Nuns and Leprechauns
    May 25, 2015

    Letting go is such a source of freedom and peace. Although I have not completely mastered the art I am always mindful of these facts and always willing to try.
    Thank you for being such an inspiration Val.

    Liked by 1 person

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  15. Jennifer's Journal
    May 27, 2015

    What a perfect analogy, Val. Dogs give of themselves so willingly. At least most of the ones I know do. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

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  16. Pingback: Friday Bouquet #23 | Jennifer's Journal

  17. rebeccabeckam4wxo
    June 5, 2015

    Reblogged this on Positive Thoughts Positive Life 4 Everyone and commented:
    This is just wonderful…Thank You

    Liked by 1 person

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  18. Carrie Rubin
    June 5, 2015

    Many of us spend far too much time and energy worrying about things out of our control. This is a great reminder of the importance of letting it go. (Came this way via Jennifer’s Journal. Lovely post!)

    Liked by 1 person

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  19. Minuscule Moments
    June 5, 2015

    Enjoyed reading this wonderful post Val, sent over by Jennifer and look forward to following along and reading some more soon. Kath.

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  20. dianasschwenk
    June 5, 2015

    Loved it the first time and loving it again today having come here via Jennifer. ❤
    Diana xo

    Liked by 1 person

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  21. mewhoami
    June 19, 2015

    Well said, and once we let go of whatever it is, we will feel so much better. The weight lifted is very freeing. Came over from Jennifer’s Journal and look forward to reading more from you. 🙂

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